The highest Alpine passes

Is the Col de la Bonette the highest passable Alpine pass?



The highest Alpine passes


Which is the highest passable Alpine pass? And what is the difference to a high road?

A mountain road in the Alps is a road that runs along or near the peaks or high elevations areas of a mountain range. These streets are often designed to provide panoramic views and offer a scenic overview of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

In the Alps, a "pass" in the original sense is a natural or artificial passage or connection between two valleys or areas. This typically involves trails over mountain ranges or mountains that make it possible to get from one valley to another. Passes are often the main transport routes between different regions and play an important role for the Trade and transport in the Alps.

Europe's highest passes - France and Italy are home to most of them 10 highest passable Alpine passes

The majority of the highest passable Alpine passes and Alpine mountain roads are located in Europe located in France and Italy. A pass and also a mountain road in the sense of the following list of the "highest Alpine passes" and high-altitude roads in Europe can end as a dead end or be a paved or unpaved road.

The decisive criterion for the list of the “highest Alpine passes” and high-altitude roads on this website is the official one Height above sea level (asl) up to which the pass or high-altitude road can be reached by motorcycle, scooter, the motorhome or the Cars can be driven on (some bans on trucks and mobile homes are not included in the list). This also applies if the highest passable point is in comparison to the geographically defined pass located a few meters away.

In short: Up to what altitude (above sea level) can I drive my vehicle on the respective pass officially used?


Overview & List - highest passable Alpine passes

Regardless of the altitude and geographical location in Europe, the Col de la Bonette in France is for many Alpine and curve fans certainly the Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio) in Italy with its impressive 48 switchbacks are an absolute pass highlight in the Alpine mountains.

Ötztaler Gletscherstraße 2.830 m
Col de la Bonette 2.802 m
Col de l'Iseran 2.764 m
Stilfser Joch (Passo dello Stelvio)2.757 m
Kaunertaler Gletscherstrasse 2.750 m
Col d'Agnel2.744 m
Col du Galibier2.642 m
Passo di Gavia2.620 m
Colle del Nivolet2.612 m
Großglockner-Hochalpenstr.2.504 m
Umbrailpass2.503 m
Timmelsjoch2.474 m

Further information about the passes & High-altitude roads

The highest, passable mountain roads and passes in the Alps



Ötztal Glacier Road - 2830 meters, Austria:

The Ötztal Glacier Road, also known as the Glacier Panorama Road, is an impressive route, which leads through the Ötztal in Tyrol. It offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings Glaciers and majestic peaks. The road is part of the Ötztal Nature Park and allows allows visitors to experience the untouched beauty of Austria's alpine landscape up close.

The Ötztal Glacier Road is the highest paved road in Europe. Built in 1972, the road attracts thousands of people every year Visitors who enjoy the impressive views and the diverse leisure options want. With numerous hiking trails, viewpoints and activities, this road is a must for any nature and adventure lover who wants to explore the wonders of the Tyrolean Alps.

The approximately 13 kilometer long Ötztal Glacier Road has an average gradient of 11% and is subject to tolls.




Col de la Bonette - 2802 meters, France

The Col de la Bonette, also known and often used synonymously as the "Cime de la Bonette", is part of the French Maritime Alps and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The road that overcomes the pass is known as the D64 and D2205 and is known for its breathtaking Serpentines and impressive views of the surrounding landscape are very popular. One Additional loop around the Cime de la Bonette makes this road at 2,802 m one of the highest passable Alpine passes.

The fascination and attraction of the Col de la Bonette is timeless. The Col de la Bonette stands under an often azure sky and the majestic embrace of the Alps as a guardian of time and enchants travelers from all over the world. Anyone who has visited him even once knows that it is more than just a mountain pass. He is a reflection of humanity and them tireless search for adventure and truth in the midst of nature.

For the Col de la Bonette, please also see the website www.coldelabonette.com. 😉




Col de l'Iseran - 2764 meters, France

The Col de l'Iseran, also known as the Iseran Pass Road, runs through the French Alps and is for known for its picturesque surroundings and its rich flora and fauna. The pass road is part of the Vanoise National Park and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the impressive alpine landscape as well as a variety of hiking and outdoor activities.




Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio) - 2757 meters, Italy

The Stelvio Pass, or Passo dello Stelvio, is a famous mountain road in the Italian Alps, which is known for its 48 hairpin bends that wind over the surrounding area. The street is part of the Stelvio Joch National Park and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful nature, to discover the local culture and Alpine cuisine of the region.




Kaunertal Glacier Road - 2750 meters, Austria

The Kaunertal Glacier Road, also known as the Fendels Glacier Road, is an impressive one High mountain road in Tyrol, Austria. It leads through the idyllic Kaunertal and offers a spectacular view of the Kaunertal Glacier. The road is known for its well-developed curves and offers visitors numerous opportunities for hiking, skiing and exploring the alpine landscape.




Col d'Agnel - 2744 meters, France

The Col d'Agnel, also known as Colle dell'Agnello, is an impressive Alpine pass on the border between France and Italy. The road that overcomes the pass is known for its breathtaking landscape and its impressive views of the surrounding valleys and Summit. The pass is part of the Queyras Natural Park and offers visitors numerous Hiking opportunities and an insight into the local alpine culture.




Col du Galibier - 2642 meters, France

The Col du Galibier is a legendary Alpine pass in the French Western Alps and is for his role in the Tour de France is known. The pass road offers a scenic drive through the mountains and is notorious for its challenging curves and steep climbs. The pass is a popular destination for cyclists and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.




Passo di Gavia - 2620 meters, Italy

The Passo di Gavia is a famous mountain pass in the Italian Alps, known for is known for its challenging roads and breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers. The road that overcomes the pass is known for its steep climbs and technical demanding curves that are a challenge for both cyclists and drivers represent. The pass also provides access to numerous hiking and ski areas in the area.




Colle del Nivolet - 2612 meters, Italy

The Colle del Nivolet is a picturesque mountain pass in Italy's Gran Paradiso National Park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine landscape. The street that overcomes the pass, is known for its well-developed curves and its breathtaking views to the peaks and lakes in the surrounding area. The pass is a popular destination for nature lovers and offers numerous hiking trails and viewpoints.




Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Hochtor) - 2504 meters, Austria

The Großglockner High Alpine Road (Hochtor) is one of the best-known and most popular Alpine roads in Austria offers a spectacular view of the highest mountain in the country, the Großglockner. The street is well known for its well-developed curves and its impressive alpine landscape, visitors from all over the world attracts. The High Alpine Road is also a popular destination for motorcyclists, scooter riders and cyclists in particular and offers numerous viewing points and rest areas along the route.




Umbrail Pass - 2503 meters, Switzerland

The Umbrail Pass is a picturesque pass road in Switzerland that provides an impressive connection between the Vinschgau in South Tyrol, Italy, and the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. The street, which overcomes the pass, is known for its breathtaking alpine landscape and its numerous switchbacks that provide a challenging but rewarding ride. The Umbrail Pass is also notable for its historical significance and its proximity cultural sights in the area.




Timmelsjoch - 2474 meters, Austria/Italy

The Timmelsjoch, also known as Passo del Rombo, is a major mountain pass that connects the Austrian region Tyrol connects with the Italian South Tyrol. With its height of 2474 meters, the Pass a spectacular view of the surrounding peaks and valleys as well as a charming Drive through the alpine landscape. The road is known for its well-developed curves and its impressive engineering skills that make it a popular destination for drivers and nature lovers.